Characteristics of Baroque Music

Overview of the Baroque Period

• Timeline: Followed the Renaissance (1600-1750)
• Transition: Laid the foundation for the Classical period
• Art Forms: Baroque applies to architecture, painting, and sculpture, as well as music.

Emotional and Expressive Music

• Nature: More emotional and expressive than Renaissance music.
• Characteristics:
  • Contrast
  • Dynamism
  • Variety

Compositional Techniques

• Counterpoint: Combining independent melodic lines.
• New Genres: Rise of opera, concerto, and sonata.
• Structure: Movements typically followed a fast-slow-fast pattern based on Renaissance dances.

Notable Composers and Works

• Antonio Vivaldi: Known for "Quattro Stagioni" (Four Seasons).
• Arcangelo Corelli: Famous for "Twelve Concerti Grossi, Opus 6" and mastery of the trio sonata.
• Henry Purcell: Significant contributions to sacred music and early opera (e.g., Dido and Aeneas).

Dance Influence

• Courtly Dances: Basis for Baroque instrumental pieces, influenced by Germany, France, and Italy.
• Dance Forms: Included Allemande, Courante, Gigue, and Sarabande; e.g., Allemande (moderate four), Sarabande (slow three).

Instrumental Development

• Instruments: Transition from viol to modern violin.
• Key Instruments:
  • Harpsichord: Backbone of ensembles
  • String instruments: Celli, double bass, flutes, oboes, trumpets, timpani.
• Orchestra Evolution: Development into the symphony orchestra.

Choral and Sacred Music

• Major Forms: Mass, Cantata, Oratorio.
• Notable Works:
  • J.S. Bach: St. Matthew's Passion, Mass in B minor
  • Handel: Messiah
  • Vivaldi: Gloria, Rv. 589
  • Henry Purcell: Extensive collection of anthems.

Keyboard Music

• Instruments: Harpsichord and organ.
• Notable Composers:
  • Domenico Scarlatti: Extensive keyboard sonatas.
  • J.S. Bach: Famous for 48 Preludes and Fugues.

Musical Characteristics

• Fugues: Complex interweaving melodic lines (polyphonic).
• Counterpoint: Essential feature of keyboard works.
• Sequence: Progression of chords following recognizable patterns, often for color/change in key.
  • Vivaldi as a master of sequence.
• Imitation: Melodic passages passed between instruments, sometimes as a perfect copy.